Information Transfer for Multi-Trauma Patients on Discharge from the Emergency Department

View/ Open
Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Aitken, Leanne
Other Supervisors
Cooke, Marie
Year published
2015
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Aim: This study aimed to improve the access, flow and consistency of trauma care information on discharge of the multi-trauma patient from the Emergency Department (ED). This was achieved by identifying best practice in this context, the communication structures that were in place, any barriers and conduits to information transfer. Strategies to overcome these barriers were then developed.
Background: Communication is the cornerstone to quality care, particularly when patients transition between care providers. Communication quality is consistently identified as one of the most important factors related to errors, missed ...
View more >Aim: This study aimed to improve the access, flow and consistency of trauma care information on discharge of the multi-trauma patient from the Emergency Department (ED). This was achieved by identifying best practice in this context, the communication structures that were in place, any barriers and conduits to information transfer. Strategies to overcome these barriers were then developed. Background: Communication is the cornerstone to quality care, particularly when patients transition between care providers. Communication quality is consistently identified as one of the most important factors related to errors, missed injuries, adverse events and fragmented care. Despite this, the adequacy of structures and processes used for communicating patient information is unknown. This is of particular concern for trauma patients due to the time pressure involved in their care and the number of clinicians involved at any one time. Methods: This was a multi-phase, mixed method, concurrent study. Phase 1 included a context appraisal consisting of a literature review, focus group interviews, a chart audit, staff survey and a review of national and international trauma forms. In Phase 2 an intervention was developed based on data from Phase 1. In Phase 3 the intervention was implemented. Phase 4 measured the intervention’s effect on information transfer. Results: There were complex interactions between factors that influenced information transfer; however, principles of information transfer were able to be identified, along with the creation of a minimum data set for the multi-trauma patient. There is wide variability in how patient care is documented, showing little current standardisation internationally. The strategy developed to improve information transfer focussed on identifying information that should be handed over at patient transition points; raising staff awareness of barriers/conduits to information transfer; and implementation of tools such as a handover template to assist staff when recording information and at handover, and a minimum data set required to support continuity of patient care.
View less >
View more >Aim: This study aimed to improve the access, flow and consistency of trauma care information on discharge of the multi-trauma patient from the Emergency Department (ED). This was achieved by identifying best practice in this context, the communication structures that were in place, any barriers and conduits to information transfer. Strategies to overcome these barriers were then developed. Background: Communication is the cornerstone to quality care, particularly when patients transition between care providers. Communication quality is consistently identified as one of the most important factors related to errors, missed injuries, adverse events and fragmented care. Despite this, the adequacy of structures and processes used for communicating patient information is unknown. This is of particular concern for trauma patients due to the time pressure involved in their care and the number of clinicians involved at any one time. Methods: This was a multi-phase, mixed method, concurrent study. Phase 1 included a context appraisal consisting of a literature review, focus group interviews, a chart audit, staff survey and a review of national and international trauma forms. In Phase 2 an intervention was developed based on data from Phase 1. In Phase 3 the intervention was implemented. Phase 4 measured the intervention’s effect on information transfer. Results: There were complex interactions between factors that influenced information transfer; however, principles of information transfer were able to be identified, along with the creation of a minimum data set for the multi-trauma patient. There is wide variability in how patient care is documented, showing little current standardisation internationally. The strategy developed to improve information transfer focussed on identifying information that should be handed over at patient transition points; raising staff awareness of barriers/conduits to information transfer; and implementation of tools such as a handover template to assist staff when recording information and at handover, and a minimum data set required to support continuity of patient care.
View less >
Thesis Type
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Degree Program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Copyright Statement
The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise.
Item Access Status
Public
Subject
Trauma care information
Medical emergency Departments
Patient care
Patient information transfer